82 FR 11797 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 37 (February 27, 2017)

Page Range		11797-11800
FR Document		2017-03265
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-13-12 R1 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2008-13-12 R1 required various repetitive inspections for cracking of a certain splice of the fuselage, and other specified and corrective actions if necessary; and provided for an optional preventive modification, which terminated the repetitive inspections. This new AD adds an inspection to determine if the existing frame repair meets all specified requirements; a modification of a certain splice, which terminates the repetitive inspections; reduces certain inspection thresholds and repetitive intervals; and adds post-repair/post-modification inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of additional fatigue cracking of a certain splice of the fuselage and one report of a severed frame, due to susceptibility to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11797-11800]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03265]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3984; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-033-AD; 
Amendment 39-18803; AD 2017-04-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-13-12 R1 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes. AD 2008-13-12 R1 required various repetitive 
inspections for cracking of a certain splice of the fuselage, and other 
specified and corrective actions if necessary; and provided for an 
optional preventive modification, which terminated the repetitive 
inspections. This new AD adds an inspection to determine if the 
existing frame repair meets all specified requirements; a modification 
of a certain splice, which terminates the repetitive inspections; 
reduces certain inspection thresholds and repetitive intervals; and 
adds post-repair/post-modification inspections. This AD was prompted by 
reports of additional fatigue cracking of a certain splice of the 
fuselage and one report of a severed frame, due to susceptibility to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 3, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 3, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes,

[[Page 11798]]

Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., 
MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-3984.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3984; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 
562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2008-13-12 R1, Amendment 39-15719 
(73 FR 67383, November 14, 2008) (``AD 2008-13-12 R1''). AD 2008-13-12 
R1 applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The SNPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 14, 2016 (81 FR 79395). We preceded the 
SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the 
Federal Register on October 9, 2015 (80 FR 61133). The NPRM proposed to 
continue to require the actions of AD 2008-13-12 R1. The NPRM also 
proposed to add, for certain airplanes, an inspection to determine if 
the existing frame repair meets all specified requirements, and for 
certain other airplanes, a new modification of the upper-frame-to-side-
frame splice, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. The 
NPRM also proposed to reduce certain inspection thresholds and 
repetitive intervals. The NPRM was prompted by reports of additional 
fatigue cracking of the upper-frame-to-side-frame splice of the 
fuselage, and one report of a severed frame. The SNPRM proposed to add 
post-repair/post-modification inspections that were not included in the 
NPRM. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of 
the upper-frame-to-side-frame splice of the fuselage, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the frame and adjacent lap 
joint, causing increased loading in the fuselage skin, which will 
accelerate skin crack growth and could result in decompression of the 
airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. The commenter, 
Stephanie Reid, agreed that the airplanes should be inspected.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for various repetitive inspections for cracking of the upper-frame-to-
side-frame splice of the fuselage, a preventive modification to prevent 
WFD, an inspection to determine if the existing frame repair meets all 
specified requirements, and corrective actions. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 391 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained inspections from AD     Between 18 and 38 work-              $0  Between $1,530 and  Between $598,230
 2008-13-12 R1.                   hours x $85 per hour,                    $3,230 per          and $1,262,930,
                                  depending on airplane                    inspection cycle.   per inspection
                                  configuration =                                              cycle.
                                  between $1,530 and
                                  $3,230 per inspection
                                  cycle.
New inspections................  213 work[dash]hours x                $0  $18,105 per         Up to $7,079,055,
                                  $85 per hour, $18,105                    inspection cycle.   per inspection
                                  per inspection cycle.                                        cycle.
New modification...............  256 work-hours x $85              (\1\)  $21,760...........  Up to $8,508,160.
                                  per hour = $21,760.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ We currently have no specific cost estimates associated with the parts necessary for the modification.

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that

[[Page 11799]]

section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil 
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, 
methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in 
air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority 
because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or 
develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2008-13-12 R1, Amendment 39-15719 (73 FR 67383, November 14, 2008), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-04-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18803; Docket No. FAA-
2015-3984; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-033-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2008-13-12 R1, Amendment 39-15719 (73 FR 
67383, November 14, 2008) (``AD 2008-13-12 R1'').

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/BE866B732F6CF31086257B9700692796?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01219se) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is 
installed, a ''change in product'' alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the 
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of additional fatigue cracking 
of the upper-frame-to-side-frame splice of the fuselage, and one 
report of a severed frame due to susceptibility to widespread 
fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
fatigue cracking of the upper-frame-to-side-frame splice of the 
fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
frame and adjacent lap joint, causing increased loading in the 
fuselage skin, which will accelerate skin crack growth and could 
result in decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions for Certain Airplanes

    (1) For Groups 1 through 3, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 5 
airplanes; Group 7, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 5 airplanes; Groups 
4 through 6, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; and Groups 8 
through 11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; as identified 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated 
January 30, 2015: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) 
and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, 
except as required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.
    (i) At the applicable time specified in Tables 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 
and 8 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as 
required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD: Do medium 
frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the upper-frame-
to-side-frame splice of the fuselage.
    (ii) Repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of 
this AD at the applicable time specified in Tables 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 
and 8 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, until the 
preventive modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD, or a 
terminating action specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, has been 
accomplished. The inspections are terminated for the repaired or 
modified areas only.
    (2) For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 2 and 5 airplanes; 
and Groups 8 through 11, Configurations 2 and 5 airplanes; as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015: Do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, and all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 
30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (i) At the applicable time specified in Tables 4 and 7 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as required 
by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection 
to determine if the existing frame repair meets all requirements 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015, and for any frame repair that does meet all 
requirements, do detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspections for cracking of the existing frame repairs.
    (ii) Repeat the inspections for cracking specified in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD at the applicable time specified in Tables 4 
and 7 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015.

(h) Post-Repair and Post-Modification Actions for Certain Airplanes

    For Group 1, Configurations 2 and 6 airplanes; Group 2, 
Configurations 2 and 6 airplanes; Group 3, Configurations 2 and 6 
airplanes; and Group 7, Configurations 2 and 6 airplanes; as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015: Within 120 days after the effective date of 
this AD, do post-repair and post-modification actions using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(n) of this AD.

(i) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where the ``Condition'' column of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261,

[[Page 11800]]

Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, specifies a condition based on 
whether an airplane has or has not been inspected, this AD bases the 
condition on whether an airplane has or has not been inspected as of 
the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this 
AD.

(j) Post-Repair and Post-Modification Inspections

    For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 
10 airplanes; and Groups 8 through 11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 
8, 9, and 10 airplanes; as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015: Except as 
provided by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in Tables 12 through 17 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, 
Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015; do the post-repair/post-
modification inspections, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 
1, dated January 30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i)(3) of 
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(k) Preventive Modification for Certain Airplanes

    For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; 
and Groups 8 through 11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015: Except as provided by paragraphs (i)(1) and 
(i)(2) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in Tables 3, 5, 
6, and 8 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, do the 
preventive modification, including HFEC inspections for cracking and 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 4 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. Accomplishing the modification required by 
this paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD for the modified area only.

(l) Terminating Action

    (1) For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 
airplanes; and Groups 8 through 11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 
airplanes; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015: Accomplishing the 
preventive modification, including HFEC inspections for cracking and 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 4 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD, terminates the inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for the modified area only.
    (2) For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 3 and 6 airplanes; 
and Groups 8 through 11, Configurations 3 and 6 airplanes; as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, 
dated January 30, 2015: Accomplishing the repair, including HFEC 
inspections for cracking and applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 
2015, except as required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD, terminates 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 
and the preventive modification required by paragraph (k) of this 
AD, for the repaired area only.
    (3) Accomplishment of the repair or the preventive modification 
specified in Boeing Message M-7200-02-1294, dated August 20, 2002, 
before the effective date of this AD terminates the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and the 
preventive modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD for the 
repaired or modified area only.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the inspections required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those inspections were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-53A1261, dated January 19, 2006, which was incorporated 
by reference in AD 2008-13-12, Amendment 39-15575 (73 FR 38905, July 
8, 2008) (``AD 2008-13-12'').
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the modification 
specified in paragraphs (k) and (l)(1) of this AD, if the 
modification was performed before the effective date of this AD 
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, dated January 19, 
2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2008-13-12.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for repairs specified in 
paragraphs (l)(2) of this AD, if those repairs were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-53A1261, dated January 19, 2006, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2008-13-12.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (o)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to 
make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2008-13-12 and AD 2008-13-12 R1 are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Galib Abumeri, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1261, Revision 1, dated 
January 30, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; 
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03265 Filed 2-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 11797

FAA–2016–9053; Directorate Identifier or local Flight Standards District Office, as National Archives and Records
2016–NM–075–AD. appropriate. If sending information directly Administration (NARA). For information on
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the the availability of this material at NARA, call
(a) Effective Date attention of the person identified in 202–741–6030, or go to: http://
This AD is effective April 3, 2017. paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- locations.html.
(b) Affected ADs
Requests@faa.gov.
None. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
notify your appropriate principal inspector, 10, 2017.
(c) Applicability Michael Kaszycki,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
This AD applies to all The Boeing of the local flight standards district office/ Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Company Model 747–8 and 747–8F series certificate holding district office. Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
airplanes, certificated in any category. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable [FR Doc. 2017–03362 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am]
(d) Subject level of safety may be used for any repair,
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
modification, or alteration required by this
Air Transport Association (ATA) of AD if it is approved by the Boeing
America Code 54, Nacelles/pylons. Commercial Airplanes Organization
(e) Unsafe Condition Designation Authorization (ODA) that has DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
This AD was prompted by reports of ACO, to make those findings. To be Federal Aviation Administration
damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat approved, the repair method, modification
shield seals on the outboard pylons between deviation, or alteration deviation must meet 14 CFR Part 39
the engine strut and aft fairing. We are the certification basis of the airplane, and the
issuing this AD to detect and correct heat approval must specifically refer to this AD. [Docket No. FAA–2015–3984; Directorate
damage to the vapor seals between the engine (4) For service information that contains Identifier 2015–NM–033–AD; Amendment
strut and aft fairing. Such damage could steps that are labeled as Required for 39–18803; AD 2017–04–08]
allow flammable fluid leakage out of the aft Compliance (RC), the provisions of
fairing, which could result in an paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply. RIN 2120–AA64
uncontrolled fire in the engine strut. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
(f) Compliance
identified in an RC step, must be done to Company Airplanes
Comply with this AD within the comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
compliance times specified, unless already for any deviations to RC steps, including AGENCY: Federal Aviation
done. substeps and identified figures. Administration (FAA), DOT.
(g) Repetitive Inspections (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be ACTION: Final rule.
deviated from using accepted methods in
At the later of the times specified in accordance with the operator’s maintenance SUMMARY: We are superseding
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do a or inspection program without obtaining
detailed inspection for heat damage of the Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008–13–
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, 12 R1 for certain The Boeing Company
vapor seals on the outboard pylons between including substeps and identified figures, can
the strut and aft fairing of the numbers 1 and Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300,
still be done as specified, and the airplane
4 engines, in accordance with Part 2 of the can be put back in an airworthy condition.
–400, and –500 series airplanes. AD
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 2008–13–12 R1 required various
Service Bulletin 747–54A2246, dated (j) Related Information repetitive inspections for cracking of a
February 5, 2016. Repeat the inspection For more information about this AD, certain splice of the fuselage, and other
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 contact Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer, specified and corrective actions if
flight cycles. Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle necessary; and provided for an optional
(1) Before the accumulation of 1,800 total ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
flight cycles, or within 1,800 flight cycles preventive modification, which
98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6505; fax: 425–
after the most recent vapor seal, block seal, 917–6590; email: tung.tran@faa.gov.
terminated the repetitive inspections.
and heat shield seal replacement, whichever This new AD adds an inspection to
is later. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference determine if the existing frame repair
(2) Within 6 months after the effective date (1) The Director of the Federal Register meets all specified requirements; a
of this AD. approved the incorporation by reference modification of a certain splice, which
(IBR) of the service information listed in this terminates the repetitive inspections;
(h) Replacement paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR reduces certain inspection thresholds
If during any inspection required by part 51.
paragraph (g) of this AD any heat damage of and repetitive intervals; and adds post-
(2) You must use this service information
any vapor seal is found: Before further flight, as applicable to do the actions required by repair/post-modification inspections.
replace the vapor seal, heat shield seal, and this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. This AD was prompted by reports of
block seal with new seals, in accordance with (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747– additional fatigue cracking of a certain
Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 54A2246, dated February 5, 2016. splice of the fuselage and one report of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–54A2246, (ii) Reserved. a severed frame, due to susceptibility to
dated February 5, 2016. Repeat the (3) For service information identified in widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this this AD, contact Boeing Commercial are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
AD within 1,800 flight cycles after doing the Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
condition on these products.
replacement, and thereafter at intervals not to Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
exceed 1,200 flight cycles. MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; DATES: This AD is effective April 3,
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https:// 2017.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

www.myboeingfleet.com. The Director of the Federal Register
(AMOCs) (4) You may view this service information approved the incorporation by reference
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, of a certain publication listed in this AD
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For as of April 3, 2017.
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if information on the availability of this
requested using the procedures found in 14 material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. ADDRESSES: For service information
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, (5) You may view this service information identified in this final rule, contact
send your request to your principal inspector that is incorporated by reference at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes,

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11800 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 37 / Monday, February 27, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, specifies inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of required by this AD if it is approved by the
a condition based on whether an airplane has this AD for the modified area only. Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
or has not been inspected, this AD bases the (2) For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
condition on whether an airplane has or has 3 and 6 airplanes; and Groups 8 through 11, been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles
not been inspected as of the effective date of Configurations 3 and 6 airplanes; as ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
this AD. identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
method to be approved, the repair must meet
(3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30,
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015: Accomplishing the repair, including
HFEC inspections for cracking and applicable approval must specifically refer to this AD.
2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair corrective actions, in accordance with Part 3 (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2008–13–12
using a method approved in accordance with of the Accomplishment Instructions of and AD 2008–13–12 R1 are approved as
the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
this AD. Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as paragraph (g) of this AD.
required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD,
(j) Post-Repair and Post-Modification terminates the repetitive inspections required (o) Related Information
Inspections by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, and the (1) For more information about this AD,
For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 1, preventive modification required by contact Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer,
3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 airplanes; and Groups paragraph (k) of this AD, for the repaired area Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
8 through 11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, only. Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
9, and 10 airplanes; as identified in Boeing (3) Accomplishment of the repair or the 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, preventive modification specified in Boeing
90712–4137; phone: 562–627–5324; fax: 562–
Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015: Except as Message M–7200–02–1294, dated August 20,
provided by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of 2002, before the effective date of this AD 627–5210; email: galib.abumeri@faa.gov.
this AD, at the applicable time specified in terminates the repetitive inspections required (2) Service information identified in this
Tables 12 through 17 of paragraph 1.E., by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and the AD that is not incorporated by reference is
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service preventive modification required by available at the addresses specified in
Bulletin 737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated paragraph (k) of this AD for the repaired or paragraphs (p)(3) and (p)(4) of this AD.
January 30, 2015; do the post-repair/post- modified area only.
modification inspections, in accordance with (p) Material Incorporated by Reference
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing (m) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, (1) This paragraph provides credit for the approved the incorporation by reference
Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015, except as inspections required by paragraph (g) of this (IBR) of the service information listed in this
required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all AD, if those inspections were performed paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
applicable corrective actions before further before the effective date of this AD using
part 51.
flight. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261,
dated January 19, 2006, which was (2) You must use this service information
(k) Preventive Modification for Certain incorporated by reference in AD 2008–13–12, as applicable to do the actions required by
Airplanes Amendment 39–15575 (73 FR 38905, July 8, this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations 1, 2008) (‘‘AD 2008–13–12’’). (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
3, 4, and 6 airplanes; and Groups 8 through (2) This paragraph provides credit for the 53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, 2015.
11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; as modification specified in paragraphs (k) and (ii) Reserved.
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (l)(1) of this AD, if the modification was (3) For service information identified in
737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, performed before the effective date of this AD this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
2015: Except as provided by paragraphs (i)(1) using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737– Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
and (i)(2) of this AD, at the applicable time 53A1261, dated January 19, 2006, which was Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
specified in Tables 3, 5, 6, and 8 in paragraph incorporated by reference in AD 2008–13–12.
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service (3) This paragraph provides credit for
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
Bulletin 737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated repairs specified in paragraphs (l)(2) of this
January 30, 2015, do the preventive AD, if those repairs were performed before www.myboeingfleet.com.
modification, including HFEC inspections for the effective date of this AD using Boeing (4) You may view this service information
cracking and applicable corrective actions, in Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, dated at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
accordance with Part 4 of the January 19, 2006, which was incorporated by 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert reference in AD 2008–13–12. information on the availability of this
Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, Revision 1, material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
dated January 30, 2015, except as required by (n) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) (5) You may view this service information
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable that is incorporated by reference at the
corrective actions before further flight. (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
National Archives and Records
Accomplishing the modification required by Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
Administration (NARA). For information on
this paragraph terminates the inspections authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14 the availability of this material at NARA, call
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for
the modified area only. CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 202–741–6030, or go to: http://
send your request to your principal inspector www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
(l) Terminating Action or local Flight Standards District Office, as locations.html.
(1) For Groups 4 through 6, Configurations appropriate. If sending information directly Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; and Groups 8 through to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
1, 2017.
11, Configurations 1, 3, 4, and 6 airplanes; as attention of the person identified in
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin paragraph (o)(1) of this AD. Information may Michael Kaszycki,
737–53A1261, Revision 1, dated January 30, be emailed to: 9-ANM-LAACO-AMOC- Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES

2015: Accomplishing the preventive Requests@faa.gov. Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
modification, including HFEC inspections for (2) Before using any approved AMOC, [FR Doc. 2017–03265 Filed 2–24–17; 8:45 am]
cracking and applicable corrective actions, in notify your appropriate principal inspector,
accordance with Part 4 of the or lacking a principal inspector, the manager BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert of the local flight standards district office/
Service Bulletin 737–53A1261, Revision 1, certificate holding district office.
dated January 30, 2015, except as required by (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD, terminates the level of safety may be used for any repair

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Document Created: 2017-02-25 01:05:22
Document Modified: 2017-02-25 01:05:22
Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule.
Dates		This AD is effective April 3, 2017.
Contact		Galib Abumeri, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5324; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 11797
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
82 FR 11797 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 37 (February 27, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
